Horse Haven Intern

Location: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, Utah - Horse Haven

Compensation: $16.00 per hour

Time Commitment: 40 hours per week for 13 weeks (5/17/26-8/15/26)

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: The Best Friend's Mission is to do nothing short of making history by bringing about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. Our goal is that every animal shelter in every community in the country be no kill. We're leading this movement by running lifesaving community programs, providing support and training for animal shelters and rescue groups, and mobilizing community members on behalf of pets in need across the country.

The communities we partner with are diverse and multicultural - and we want that to be reflected within our organization. We welcome our employees' unique wisdom, special skills, passion, and whole self to the workplace. We believe that our differences are pivotal to uniting the movement and achieving our mission. Our hiring practices are based on kindness and treating all living things, people, animals and the planet, as we would like to be treated. We encourage candidates who can add to our culture by bringing their fresh perspectives and unique lived experiences to apply.

CULTURE STATEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY:

We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Horse Haven intern will learn about all aspects of Horse Haven daily operations, obtain hands-on experience working with various types of equines, pigs, and goats, and gain knowledge about Best Friends and the no-kill movement. Interns will shadow the medical team to gain further knowledge of conditions our species may be afflicted with and shadow the farrier to learn about our species' hoof care. Interns will work independently and alongside trainers and caregivers on a project animal (species to be determined). Interns are valued team members and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society's no-kill mission and organizational success.

The Horse Haven Intern reports to Kristie Gerard, Horse Haven Supervisor, and will receive regular supervision and feedback. The minimum time commitment for the Horse Haven Internship is 40 hours per week at $16.00 per hour for 13 weeks. This is an on-site internship at the Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Interns must arrange for their own housing and transportation.

Intern orientation includes a tour of the Sanctuary, Horse Haven, Piggy Paradise, and goat barn, an overview of rules, safety protocols, and daily schedule. Interns will have the opportunity to meet with Best Friends founders and leaders, learn about and shadow staff in other departments, and attend presentations on various animal welfare topics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work within a team setting to assist with the daily care of horses, pigs, and goats.

• Assist in providing basic and routine care for animals which includes feeding, watering, and light grooming.

• Assist in providing enrichment and socialization to the animals as outlined by the Intern Supervisor or Trainer.

• Assist in supporting the animals' medical needs when appropriate and in alignment with intern's interests and goals.

• Clean work areas and preserve the physical appearance of horse, pig, and goat buildings and grounds: scooping, mucking sweeping, mopping, trash removal, etc.

• Follow all safety and quarantine protocols outlined by department leadership.

Be a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends' work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the Sanctuary's special role in Best Friends' no-kill mission.

• Work alongside and support volunteers, workshop attendees, and other types of visitors.

• Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, horse/pig/goat welfare issues, the work of Horse Haven and the Sanctuary, and answer questions.

• Interns may be asked to represent Horse Haven at various community events.

• Attend and participate in various learning, networking, and socialization opportunities with other interns, Best Friends staff members and founders.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day husbandry of the horses, pigs, and goats of Horse Haven including their diet, training, and enrichment needs.

• Learn about and be able to speak to common welfare challenges facing each species.

• Learn basics of training and socialization for each species.

• Develop an understanding of behaviors, body language, and signs of stress in horses, pigs, and goats.

• Select a project animal and work with trainers to identify the needs of the animal and the correct training methods to address those needs.

• Gain skills in communicating with visitors and giving engaging and interactive tours, creating positive volunteer experiences.

• Develop an understanding of animal welfare and Best Friends' 2025 mission.

• Individual goals and projects can be adjusted to the intern's interest (i.e., medical, behavioral/enrichment, or education).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Genuine interest in working with horses, pigs, and goats.

• Must have held a valid driver's license for at least three years, possess a clean driving record, and pass a motor vehicle record check and on-site driving test in order to operate the vehicles in and around Horse Haven.

• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback, and a commitment to learning and improvement.

• Commitment to communication, cooperation, and collaboration.

• Active listening skills and confidence to ask questions if needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to:

• Routinely lift and carry up to 75 pounds and perform daily strenuous and/or repetitive activities including sweeping, mopping, bending, stooping, lifting, reaching, walking, and working at computers (typing, hand motions).

• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.

Must be comfortable with:

• Potential contact with hay, dust and other allergens.

• Potential exposure to zoonotic disease.

• Interaction with animals that have significant behavioral and/or medical issues.

• Potential exposure to animal injury, illness, and/or death.

Must have reliable transportation to get to, from, and around the Sanctuary. There is no public transportation in Kanab.

Best Friends employees may only hold one compensated position at any time. Current employees are not allowed to hold another position and this internship position at the same time. If a current employee would like to apply for this internship, the employee would be required to resign from their primary position, with no guarantee of re-employment, if the employee wanted to accept this position.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.